This Slow-Cooked Cuban Sandwich is the perfect comfort food to enjoy on a lazy afternoon. The juicy, tender mojo pork, paired with melted Swiss cheese, savory deli ham, and crispy pickles, create a mouthwatering combination that is sure to satisfy.
Not only is it a delicious meal, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can relax while the flavors develop. Once assembled, the sandwich gets a crispy golden crust, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this Cuban sandwich will quickly become your go-to dish.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 4 pieces
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1/2 cup fresh orange juice
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1/4 cup fresh lime juice
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon ground cumin
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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4 hoagie rolls
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4 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
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4 oz deli ham, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup dill pickle slices
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2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Directions:
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Combine the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. Add the pork shoulder pieces and toss to coat.
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Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
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Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
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Slice the hoagie rolls in half and spread mustard on the inside of each roll.
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Layer the shredded pork, Swiss cheese, ham, and pickle slices on the bottom half of each roll.
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Place the other half of the roll on top and press down gently.
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Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwiches one at a time, pressing down with a spatula or heavy pan, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted (about 3-4 minutes per side).
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes | Kcal: 650 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Slow-Cooked Cuban Sandwich: A Perfectly Tender, Flavor-Packed Delight
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, look no further than the Slow-Cooked Cuban Sandwich. This sandwich brings together the rich flavors of tender, slow-cooked mojo pork, the creaminess of melted Swiss cheese, the savory goodness of deli ham, and the tangy crunch of pickles, all packed between two crispy, golden hoagie rolls.
The beauty of the Slow-Cooked Cuban Sandwich lies not only in its complex flavor profile but also in its simplicity. The slow-cooking process ensures that the pork absorbs all the aromatic spices, citrus, and garlic, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat. The crispiness of the hoagie roll and the perfect combination of cheese, ham, and pickles create an irresistible contrast of textures that make every bite even more satisfying.
A Deep Dive into the Cuban Sandwich Tradition
The Cuban sandwich, often known as the Cuban mixto, is a popular dish that originates from the Cuban immigrant communities in Florida, particularly in Tampa and Miami. The sandwich traditionally consists of Cuban bread, roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Over time, variations have emerged, particularly in how the pork is cooked and the type of bread used, with some opting for French bread or hoagie rolls for a different texture.
While there are many variations of the Cuban sandwich, the Slow-Cooked Cuban Sandwich elevates the traditional recipe by using a slow cooker to prepare the pork. This method allows the pork to absorb all the bold flavors of the marinade, which typically includes ingredients like orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and oregano. The slow cooking process tenderizes the pork so well that it shreds effortlessly, providing a tender base for the rest of the sandwich components.
The Key Ingredients and Their Flavors
The slow-cooked mojo pork is the star of this sandwich. The marinade, which infuses the pork with a citrusy and garlicky flavor, is the essence of the Cuban sandwich. The acidity from the orange and lime juices balances the richness of the pork, creating a harmonious contrast. The garlic adds depth, while the cumin and oregano bring warmth and earthiness to the dish. When slow-cooked, the pork takes on a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it irresistible.
Swiss cheese is traditionally used in Cuban sandwiches because of its smooth, nutty flavor and excellent melting qualities. It adds richness to the sandwich without overpowering the other flavors. The deli ham, which is a crucial element in the Cuban mixto, brings a savory saltiness that complements the pork and cheese beautifully.
The dill pickles in the sandwich provide the perfect crunch and tang to cut through the richness of the pork and cheese, adding a refreshing contrast that keeps the sandwich from feeling too heavy. Finally, a spread of yellow mustard on the hoagie roll ties everything together with a hint of sharpness that brightens the entire sandwich.
Slow-Cooking for Maximum Flavor
One of the key reasons to use a slow cooker for this Cuban sandwich recipe is to ensure that the pork becomes perfectly tender and flavorful. Slow cooking allows the meat to absorb all the spices, herbs, and citrus in the marinade, resulting in a deeply flavorful pork that requires little effort to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a sandwich filling that’s bursting with flavor and will easily feed a crowd.
Slow cooking also helps to keep the pork moist. As the pork cooks for hours, the natural juices are retained, making the meat incredibly succulent and juicy. This technique also enhances the flavors over time, allowing the pork to develop a depth that would be hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.
Assembling the Sandwich
Assembling a Cuban sandwich may seem simple, but the right technique ensures that every bite is just as satisfying as the last. First, the hoagie roll is sliced open and lightly spread with mustard. Then, you layer the slow-cooked mojo pork, followed by the Swiss cheese, deli ham, and dill pickles.
The real magic happens when the sandwich is grilled. The heat from the skillet transforms the bread into a crisp, golden crust while the cheese melts into a gooey, delightful layer. The crispy exterior provides the perfect contrast to the tender and juicy pork inside. The result is a perfectly balanced sandwich with layers of flavor and texture that will have you coming back for more.
Variations and Customizations
While the Slow-Cooked Cuban Sandwich is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella or provolone for a different melt and flavor. Some people prefer to add a little extra kick to their Cuban sandwiches with a touch of hot sauce or jalapeños for heat. If you’re avoiding pork, you can swap it out for shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
You can also experiment with different types of bread. While hoagie rolls are the most common, you can use French baguettes, ciabatta, or even gluten-free rolls for those with dietary restrictions. As long as the bread is crispy and hearty enough to hold the fillings, it will work wonderfully.
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a game day celebration, the Slow-Cooked Cuban Sandwich is sure to be a hit. The slow cooking method allows you to prepare the pork in advance, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal in no time.
The beauty of this sandwich is its versatility. It can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it with a refreshing side salad, crispy French fries, or even a bowl of creamy coleslaw. The flavors of the sandwich will complement a variety of side dishes, making it a great choice for both casual and more formal occasions.
Conclusion:
The Slow-Cooked Cuban Sandwich is a perfect example of how simplicity and bold flavors can come together to create a truly irresistible meal. The tender, juicy mojo pork, melted Swiss cheese, savory deli ham, and crunchy pickles all packed into a crispy hoagie roll create a satisfying sandwich that’s full of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re new to Cuban sandwiches or a long-time fan, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
With its slow-cooked flavors, easy preparation, and customizable options, the Slow-Cooked Cuban Sandwich is not just a meal, it’s an experience. It’s an opportunity to indulge in rich, satisfying comfort food while keeping the cooking process simple and stress-free. Perfect for any occasion, this sandwich will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.